At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with
all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility Therefore, elements in
the voting area such as seats, tables, voting equipment, emergency exits, or similar
elements, shall be located along accessible aisles that lead to an exit. (CCR, Section
11B-206.2.4.) See Figure 10.

Figure 10

When voters enter the voting area, a stable, firm, and slip-resistant path of travel shall
be provided. (CCR, Section 11B-302.1.) For that reason hardwood or waxed floors that
are not slip-resistant, deep pile carpet, loose carpets, or throw rugs are not
recommended. For example, polished hardwood or waxed floors can become a
slipping hazard, while deep pile carpet can be difficult for a person using a wheelchair
to wheel across. Loose carpets or throw rugs can cause a tripping hazard.

Every aisle shall not be less than 36 inches wide if there are booths or tables for voter
use on only one side, and not less than 44 inches wide if serving both sides of the
aisle. (CCR, Section 11B-403.5.1, Exception 4.) See Figure 11.

Figure 11

In the event of an emergency, locked exit doors shall have accessible hardware so
voters and poll workers may have an additional way to exit the building.
(CCR, Sections 11B-309.4 and 11B-404.2.7.)

The voting area shall also be free of objects that protrude into the path of travel, such
as lighting, shelves, or wall mounted telephones. When objects mounted on walls are
placed at a height between 27 inches and 80 inches above the floor, they shall not
extend into the path of travel more than 4 inches. (CCR, Section 11B-307.2.)

The 4-inch limitation provides a measure of safety when voters with limited vision are
using the accessible path of travel. See Figure 12 for an example of an item protruding
4 inches into the path of travel.

Figure 12

Pole mounted objects between 27 inches and 80 inches above the walking surface can
extend into the path of travel up to 12 inches. (CCR, Section 11B-307.3.)

A person using a wheelchair for mobility will require a clear floor space of 60 inches in
diameter or a T-shaped space to turn around and maneuver their wheelchair in the
voting area. (CCR, Sections 11B-304.3.1 and 11B-304.3.2.) The minimum clear floor
or ground space required to accommodate a person using a wheelchair shall be 30
inches by 48 inches. (CCR, Section 11B-305.3.) See Figure 13.

Figure 13

Accessible tables in the voting area shall be between 28 inches to 34 inches from the
finish floor. (CCR, Section 11B-902.3.) Under each accessible table, there shall be a
clear space at least 19 inches deep, 30 inches wide, (CCR, Section 11B-306.2.5.) and
27 inches from the finish floor as shown in Figure 14. (CCR, Section 11B-306.3.3
Exception 2.) The 30 inch by 48 inch clear floor space required for wheelchairs at
tables may be combined with the knee space under tables and voting stations.

Figure 14

Elderly voters and voters with disabilities shall be able to approach the voter sign-in or
other writing tables from a forward or side/parallel position. Tables used as a base for
voting equipment shall provide a forward or side approach as shown in Figure 15. The
voting equipment shall be placed at a height where operable controls throughout their
full range of movement are no higher than 48 inches above the floor for a front or side
reach. (CCR, Sections 11B-308.2 and 11B-308.3.)

Providing both a forward and parallel approach to voting equipment, a sign-in station,
or other accessible tables is not required by building codes or other accessibility
standards. However, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires every
county to make their program accessible to voters with disabilities. For this reason, the
Secretary of State encourages counties to make both a forward and parallel approach
available to voters with disabilities in order to provide a meaningful opportunity for
voters with disabilities to vote independently and with privacy. (28 CFR 35.149-
35.150.) See Figure 15.

Figure 15

Providing both a forward and parallel approach to voting equipment, a sign-in station,
or other accessible tables is not required by building codes or other accessibility
standards. However, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires every
county to make their program accessible to voters with disabilities. For this reason, the
Secretary of State encourages counties to make both a forward and parallel approach
available to voters with disabilities in order to provide a meaningful opportunity for
voters with disabilities to vote independently and with privacy. (28 CFR 35.149-
35.150.) See Figure 15.